how to be confident in online presentation

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How to Look and Sound Confident During a Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Your audience will make up their minds about you in seconds.

How you look and sound during a speech or presentation are going to make a big impression on your audience. Within seconds, listeners will decide whether you are trustworthy, and they will do it based on your body language and vocal attributes. The good news is that there is plenty of hard evidence that explains how you can give the appearance of confidence and competence — even if you’re nervous or timid on the inside. To look confident, make eye contact, keep an open posture, and use gestures to emphasize your message. To sound confident, eliminate filler words, take time to pause before important messages, and vary your pace.

You’ve crafted the message and created the slides for your next presentation. Now it’s time to wow the audience. How you look and sound are going to make a big impression — and your audience will form opinions quickly .

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

Partner Center

Gigi Rosenberg

7 public speaking tips for presenting online with confidence

Here are my 7 tips for presenting online with confidence in 2 minutes flat.

Now that we’re all showing up at online meetings, I’ve compiled 7 of my best tips for both leading and participating in an online meeting—so that you look your best! They are:

Don’t worry that you look older than the last time you checked. You’ll never be younger than you are today. You’re just going to have to let that go.

Back up a little: If you’re keeping your video “off” because you don’t like how big your face is on the screen, then back up a little.

Raise your computer: Grab some coffee table books, an old-fashioned dictionary or a large flat box and raise your computer so you’re looking across at your screen. This is much more flattering than having the camera below you looking up at your neck.

Look at the camera lens: That black dot at the top of your computer is the camera lens. When you look right at it, which feels weird at first, the other participants at your meeting will experience good eye contact.

Light your face: To avoid looking like a scary silhouette, have light from a lamp or a window in front of you, rather than behind you.

Get dressed. Yes, you can attend meeting without pants or shoes but you’ll sit up straighter and feel more professional if you’re dressed as if we were meeting in person.

Relax your face. If you’re searching your screen for the right document or button to click, you may look worried and tense which just makes your audience feel worried and tense. Relax your face as you search your screen.

Please let me know what other conundrums and questions you have about presenting in a virtual world. See you in cyberspace!

Photo by Sophie Broide

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How To Look And Sound Confident During a Presentation

Learn to Make your Presentation look and sound confident by mastering key body language, and vocal delivery tips here!

Confident Presentation

How to present with confidence ? The key to looking and sounding confident during any presentation lies in mastering critical facets of body language, vocal delivery, anxiety management, and personal appearance. By honing abilities in these areas, speakers can establish a commanding yet approachable stage presence.

Proper posture projects assurance. Strategic movement and gestures emphasise talking points. Direct eye contact forges engagement. Facial expressions and vocal modulation add colour and conviction. Relaxation techniques keep nerves at bay. Professional attire aligns with audience expectations.

Let’s explore the best confidence tips for presentations to activate the most crucial behaviours. Then, you can step into the spotlight equipped to connect with your listeners and ace your next talk.

If you are looking for In-House Presentation Skills Training for a group or teams, please see our

Mastering Confident Body Language

A speaker’s body language impacts audience perception tremendously. Adopting an assured physical posture and stance can help presenters both feel and project greater confidence.

Start by standing tall with your shoulders back and chin up. An upright yet relaxed alignment signals composure . Bring your feet hip-width apart, evenly distributing your weight to avoid swaying. Allow your arms to hang at your sides without clenching fists or fidgeting hands. This open position invites positive reactions.

Strategically move around the stage to emphasise key messages. Step toward the audience when making an important point. A few steps to either side create energy without distraction. Minimise extraneous pacing, which can undermine confidence. Subtle mobility aligned with content keeps the focus on the talk itself.

Gestures also help spotlight ideas as they are spoken aloud. Raising open palms to shoulder height draws eyes to the presenter’s face and upper body, the site of vital nonverbal cues like facial expressions. Pointing underscores directions are given or highlights visual aids . Opening arms wide can convey inclusiveness when discussing shared goals. Reserve overuse of gestures, which diminishes their power to captivate attention .

The Art of Effective Eye Contact

Direct eye contact allows presenters to forge vital bonds with audience members. Sustained gazing communicates confidence while scanning the crowd, which builds engagement.

Aim to make deliberate eye contact with one person at a time. Hold their gaze for up to five seconds before moving on, long enough to register a meaningful connection . Actively shift focus between different segments of the audience, resisting the urge to stare at notes or screens.

Split time fairly evenly across the whole room. Avoid locking onto only a few friendly faces, excluding others. Hyperfocus on any individual can feel uncomfortable. Continually work the room.

If anxieties surface under the spotlight, try finding a friendly smile to ground your nerves . Bouncing back and forth between a few receptive participants can enable momentum. Once assured, expand your gaze to additional listeners. Remember: the audience wants you to succeed. Use eye contact to turn them into collaborators, allowing you to make a more confident presentation.

Facial Expressions: Communicating Confidence Non-verbally

A speaker’s facial expressions serve as pivotal nonverbal cues, reinforcing or undermining the delivery of remarks. Consciously adopting confident facial body language helps connect with audiences .

Keep your expressions open and honest. Relax your face, avoiding furrowed brows or tightly pursed lips which suggest discomfort. Smile naturally when appropriate, signalling warmth. Let emotions show in moderation as you share content, flashing brief looks of happiness, surprise, concern or conviction.

Avoid stone-faced rigidity just as extreme emoting risks confusing listeners. Subtlety proves most persuasive. Ensure facial shifts align with verbal content to underscore the intended meaning. Nod affirmatively while advising recommended actions. Raise eyebrows for impact when stating statistics.

Briefly pressing lips together after making an important point nonverbally punctuates significance before moving on. Tilting the head slightly to convey thought before responding to questions also buys time while maintaining engagement.

Mastering facial techniques requires rehearsing talks enough to anticipate content and physical alignment. Confidently reinforcing speech through intentional expressions builds mighty presentation skills.

Vocal Confidence: Tone, Pace, and Clarity

A confident vocal delivery makes a lasting impression on audiences. Strategic modulation of tone, pace, volume, and inflexion keeps listeners engaged while conveying authority.

Speak loudly and clearly enough for all to hear without straining. Vary volume for emphasis, increasing intensity when sharing critical information before returning to a conversational level. Insert intentional pauses to highlight pivotal concepts.

Confident speakers modulate their voice tone to align with content emotionality . Sharpen your tone to stress vital actions but soften when reassuring audiences or telling stories. Insert humour through a playful lilt but convey the seriousness with an even, deeper tone.

Uphold a steady pace, allowing listeners time to absorb remarks without dragging. Insert more frequent pauses when communicating complex data to maximise comprehension. Patiently slow down in response to confusion. Accelerating pace builds suspense before revealing a key point.

Verbal precision proves equally key. Enunciate each word fully while avoiding filler utterances like “um” and “uh.” Miscommunications undermine credibility even if body language screams confidence. Mastery of material through thorough preparation best enables vocal confidence.

Managing Presentation Anxiety to Appear Confident

Even the most assured speakers experience some level of anxiety before stepping on stage. Learning to manage nerves and project outer confidence proves pivotal.

Implement centring techniques like taking a few deep breaths while visualising a successful talk . Close your eyes and picture yourself effortlessly delivering remarks, smiling as the audience nods along. This mental rehearsal eases apprehension.

Channel nervous energy into enthusiasm rather than dread. Frame accelerated heart rate as excitement to share your knowledge rather than distress. Anxiety often manifests physically through fidgeting hands or clenched jaws. Consciously relax your body.

When doubts surface right before going on stage, reframe worried self-talk. Rather than “What if I mess up?” ask, “What meaningful information can I share?” Spotlight your expertise and preparation rather than obsessing over perfection. Audiences crave authenticity more than slick glibness.

During talks, subtly release stress by pressing your feet through the floor, keeping you grounded in the present. Discreetly shake out tension in your hands behind a lectern. If your mind goes blank, pause and take a slow breath rather than rambling. Presenters who acknowledge small mistakes with grace gain trust.

Dressing for Success: The Impact of Appearance

A speaker’s attire influences the audience’s perception of their competence and professionalism. Strategic wardrobe choices can boost confidence while resonating with listeners.

Stick with formal business attire in conservative hues like navy, black, or grey unless explicitly told otherwise. Suits, dresses, and pressed shirts convey assurance. Ensure clothes properly fit your frame, not overly loose or tight. Stand tall in polished dress shoes, giving subtle height boosts.

Accessories matter, too. Minimal jewellery and neatly styled hair prove safest when unsure of culture. Well-manicured hands, free of stains signal attention to detail. Glasses, if needed, should sit securely. Sweating profusely risks undermining a crisp appearance, so dress coolly.

While clothes themselves hold no bearing on presenter skills, audiences make snap judgements about competence based on surfaces. Rigorous preparation provides true confidence, but intentionally dressing for presentation success streamlines first impressions. Savvy public speakers thus consider physical perceptions stemming from attire choices when preparing talks. Follow these tips to align dress with confidence goals.

Confidence in Virtual Presentation Settings

Remote talks and virtual meetings bring distinct challenges, yet similar principles around exhibiting confidence apply. Audiences still rely on vocal cues and visual body language to assess competence in digital settings.

Position webcams at eye level or slightly above to simulate eye contact. Stare directly into the lens when making key points before scanning fellow panellists or presentation slides . This eye behaviour mimics natural focus shifts. contractual behaviours, too. Shift during quality management as additional demands arise.

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Frame the camera shot closer than feels intuitive, keeping torsos and faces visible sans excessive headroom. Exaggerated facial expressions and hand gestures read better on small screens compared to in-person events.

Check lighting to prevent backlit silhouettes and harsh shadows from obscuring your features. Activate self-view monitors to observe how gestures and expressions are landing before making adjustments. Request audience reactions through chat or unmute requests to judge engagement.

While virtual talks necessitate tech tweaks, the essential practices for confident body language, vocal modulation and anxiety management remain the same. Stick to the strategies outlined above, and you can ace online presentations anywhere.

Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearsal Techniques

Thorough preparation breeds confidence in presenters, freeing mental bandwidth to focus on confident delivery instead of remembering content. Strategic rehearsal proves essential.

Practice talking aloud and in full multiple times, resisting the urge to skim. Verbalising the flow of ideas, pace of speaking, and planned gestures cements the sequence. Time yourself to ensure you fit within limits.

Vary rehearsal formats to grow familiar with the material. Review flashcards of key data points, statistics, and talking points. Summarise core messages out loud without consulting notes to test knowledge depth. Treat rehearsals as real presentations.

Record practice runs on video to identify areas for improvement. Review footage with a coaching mindset, eyeing elements like inconsistent pacing, distracting mannerisms, and minimal eye contact. Redo talks incorporating feedback before further taping. Repetition develops polished confidence.

Schedule a dress rehearsal presentation before trusted colleagues days before the real event. Their constructive critiques grant final opportunities to smooth rough edges. Rigorous preparation is the bedrock of memorable speeches delivered with assurance.

Using Feedback to Enhance Confidence

The path toward continually improving and more confident presentations involves regularly soliciting performance feedback. Honest critiques highlight areas for growth.

Activate mentors and coaches early in speech development processes rather than just prior to delivery. These guides identify weaknesses inaccessible to individual speakers as outside observers. Welcome tough messages about distracting mannerisms, convoluted explanations requiring simplification, and pacing issues.

When possible, attend talks given by presentation role models exhibiting traits you aim to embody. Note elements like their seamless storytelling , effortless audience rapport, and subtle wit. Analyse what specifically resonates with you, then implement takeaways into your own confident presentation style.

After you take the stage, follow up with audience members seeking targeted input. Ask which sections connected versus dragged, seemed disjointed, or lacked clarity. Poll whether key takeaways matched intended core messages. Collect quantitative presentation rating metrics if appropriate.

Regularly absorbing constructive feedback builds lifelong skills, transferring across talk formats and career stages . Being brave enough to spotlight current abilities is the first step toward confidently unlocking your fullest potential. Consider enrichment coaching for added perspective.

How Impact Factory Can Help

Impact Factory offers tailored presentation skills training programmes , courses, and individual coaching which can profoundly expand any speaker’s confidence.

Our various public speaking development options range from one and two-day Presentation Skills courses to longer intensive 5-day Presentation with Impact immersions. Additional specialised formats include PowerPoint Presentation or Pitching for Business courses.

Programmes offer robust support through personalised progress tracking, small group individualised attention from the coaching staff, and post-course follow-ups to sustain learning. Attendees gain access to proprietary presentations and effectiveness analysis frameworks guiding measurable improvement.

Impact Factory also provides private Executive Presentation Coaching for senior leaders seeking more discrete assistance addressing chronic areas for improvement identified over their careers. One-to-One services enable a highly customised curriculum catering to the executive’s current role demands and future career aspirations around public speaking mastery.

Inquire today to learn more about confidently unlocking your presentation potential through Impact Factory’s unparalleled development offerings perfected over three decades of building global presenter talent.

Why do I lack the confidence to speak?

Many factors can undermine confidence in public speaking, including lack of preparation, nervousness due to perfectionism, fear of vulnerability, or comparing oneself to more experienced presenters. Identifying root causes through self-reflection allows for targeted improvement.

How do I stop my voice from shaking when nervous?

Strategies like taking deep breaths, channelling nervous energy into enthusiasm, and speaking slowly can help steady shaky voices. Thorough preparation also boosts confidence. Record practice talks to grow familiar with your voice.

What is the root cause of lack of confidence?

Confidence often stems from self-efficacy – belief in one’s abilities to complete tasks and achieve goals. Those lacking confidence in public speaking may have less experience, preparation, or support. Building skills through practice and seeking coaching help.

Dive Deeper Into Presentation Skills

Do you want to set up on the journey towards more confident presentation skills but don’t know where to begin? Here are some helpful resources:

• Presentation Skills Training Programmes – Join one of our training programmes and gain support that can push your presentation skills to the next level.
• 12 Crucial Tips To Develop Effective Presentation Skills – Do you already know the basics but want to deliver your presentations more effectively? Follow our tips to make your next presentation more impactful.
• How To Improve Your Business Presentation Skills – Better presentation skills could be the one thing between you and success in business. Here are tips to help you reach mastery.

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Effective presentation skills: 7 tips to boost your confidence

Presentations are a great opportunity. They’re an opportunity to move your work forward and to build your reputation. But only if you have effective presentation skills.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

When you’re developing your presentation, take a look at our presentation structure . You might also like to build a presentation hook into your opening.

And if you’re nervous before a presentation, take a look at our practical tips to calm your nerves before a presentation .

Right, now we’re ready.

Effective presentation skills

There are 7 presentation delivery skills that you need to work on and continue to improve (more on that later).

1. Stand with a strong core

Effective presentation skills start with posture. And the good news is, this is simple.

Feet flat on the ground, space between them, your weight equally distributed. This will give you a strong core.

Hands by your sides or cupped lightly together in front of you.  Don’t intertwine your fingers, don’t wring your hands.

Practice these aspects of posture: feet flat and weight equally distributed, strong central core, hands by your sides or cupped lightly in front of you.

Great! You have your natural resting place. Your launch pad.

And if you’re sitting, same principles. Feet flat on floor, strong central core, hands in an easy resting place (for example on the arms of your chair).

2. Be willing to pause

Do you want to make an impact? Be willing to pause.

Make an important point and pause. Let the audience take in what you’ve said.

A few important points to note:

• Pauses always seem much longer to you (the presenter!) than the audience. You’re going to need to practice!
• Hold the audience in the pause (look around the room with confidence)
• Don’t restart with a ‘filler’ word (such as ‘so’ or ‘ok’). Start back with another bold statement.

Take a look at the video below to understand these points in more detail.

3. Make eye contact, one idea at a time

The eyes are the windows of the soul

Too much eye contact and you’ll appear creepy. Too little eye contact and it will look like you lack confidence.

What is ‘good’ eye contact? Again, it’s simple.

Share an idea with someone, then move on.

Because we connect with people not just by making eye contact, but also by sharing an idea with the person.

Each line below is eye contact with one person:

it’s great to be here,

today I’ll be covering 3 topics:

presentation structure,

effective presentation skills,

and how to answer questions effectively .

You’ve already connected with 6 people in the audience. You’ve made that connection because you’ve looked them in the eye and shared an idea, a point, with them.

4. Modulate your voice

This is a big one. Of all 7 effective presentation skills, this usually takes people the most work to master, because there are several elements. (We’ve already covered pause because it’s so important!)

The key principle around vocal variety is modulation .

Modulation of pace, volume and emphasis.

A monotonous voice, at the same volume, with the same pace, with no emphasis… zzzz zzzz zzzz… it puts everyone to sleep.

Practice modulating each aspect. And that doesn’t always mean talking more loudly. Sometimes the best way to engage people is to drop the volume a little, so that people lean in to hear what you’re saying.

5. Use clear, purposeful gestures

Gesture with purpose. Use gestures to:

Each gesture should be clean and clear, and then return to you natural resting place (see Posture, above).

Gestures that emphasize are quick and sharp. A fist into the palm of the hand, a chopping motion. Make sure you’re comfortable with it, something that’s natural to your style.

Gestures that visualize take the spoken words and bring them to life visually. Simply examples: holding up 3 fingers when you mention the number 3. Or raising your hand upwards as you talk about increased profits.

Gestures that engage are an embrace of the audience, for example, outstretched arms as you say welcome.

Gestures have many cultural nuances to them, Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands is a useful reference.

6. Use movement to engage

Movement around the room is very useful, if you’re in a face-to-face environment. Again, key principle, move with purpose. Take a few steps forward when you want to emphasize a point. Move towards a key decision-maker to engage them.

Don’t sway, and don’t move pointlessly from side to side. Again, a strong posture will help you overcome these problems naturally.

7. And smile!

The last in our list of effective presentation skills, remember to smile!

How often do you see people start a presentation with “I’m really excited to be here” and they have the most dull expression on their face and the most monotonous voice.

Put a little energy in your voice, put a smile on you face, and say it with meaning.

Or, if you can’t do that authentically, say something else. “This is a really important meeting and I’m looking forward to discussing the issues with you” .

Effective presentation skills, an example

This is a long video, you only need to watch the first few minutes.

The first minute is a young Barak Obama, giving a presentation. It’s not so good! Keep the 7 effective presentation skills in mind and evaluate his presentation.

After this first minute the video cuts to a much older Barack Obama, towards the end of his presidency. He’s speaking in Canada and does a far better presentation!

Did he use any different presentation skills, other than the 7 covered above? No, he did not. He simply made great use of the 7 skills that I’ve covered.

How to develop your presentation skills

Practice and ask for feedback .

If you can, record yourself giving the presentation. Then review yourself against the 7 effective presentation skills covered above.

If you’re delivering the presentation virtually, then join ‘meeting’ in advance. Record your presentation, look for opportunities to improve, practice, record, improve.

Presentation skills, in summary

Effective presentation skills are quite easy to master. When I run presentation skills training the participants always walk out the door better presenters, after just 1 day.

Focus on one skill at a time:

• Stand with a strong core
• Be willing to pause
• Make eye contact, one idea at a time
• Modulate your voice
• Use clear, purposeful gestures
• Use movement to engage

Apply the guidance above, practice and get feedback. That’s all it takes!

11 tips for presenting yourself confidently on Zoom

Since the pandemic Zoom meetings have become the norm. Instead of, “Let’s meet in the conference room”, a video call with a colleague or client seems to be the first port of call. In fact, Zoom announced that the average number of video meetings that take place each day is now 300 million. That’s a lot of virtual meetings!

Because of this, we’ve all had to quickly learn Zoom etiquette and how to present effectively via a camera on our computer. It’s not a natural behaviour, and some of us certainly find it more difficult than others. 

As video meetings are here to stay for some time, we wanted to help you out by sharing our experts’ tips on how to present confidently on Zoom.

If you’d like to take your practising one step further, why not give one of our popular online public speaking courses a go? Hundreds of professionals have signed up this year, and we’d love to see you there too!

Right, onto the tips…

Tip 1. Prepare for your meetings

Okay, so our first tip is not rocket science, but as many of us lead busy professional and social lifestyles, there’s not always time to put a good amount of preparation in before every single meeting.

Preparation however can help immensely with confidence. If you’re completely clued up on your subject area and know your presentation inside-out and back-to-front, this will instantly make you feel in control of your online meeting. And when you feel in control, you’ll feel more confident.

Note down any questions a client or colleague might ask you too. Rehearse your answers to these expected queries beforehand and you’ll be able to respond more naturally without too much stuttering and stalling.

Tip 2. Practise using Zoom’s tools 

If you’re not that familiar with Zoom then it makes sense to have a few practise runs before an online presentation or meeting. There are many tools on Zoom that you may need to use such as ‘share screen’, ‘change background’, and the ‘mute button’. Log into Zoom and become familiar with these tools so you’re not scrambling around trying to work them out during your virtual meetings.

You could also ask a friend or family member whom you're comfortable with to sit in on a Zoom practice session. Run through your presentation or meeting agenda - treating them as if they were a colleague or client - and get a feel for how everything works, looks and sounds. 

If you’re running a webinar then Zoom has a practice mode that allows you to run through your session, and even invite attendees to join. These are really handy to use - especially for larger meetings where a lot of people are expected to take part.

Read more about Zoom’s practice mode here.

Tip 3. Good lighting

Now we’re not talking about good lighting in the vain sense here (i.e. to look good), we mean good lighting that makes you feel confident. Dark shadows and blurry images are distracting, for you and your meeting attendees, which can make you feel out of control.

Test how your lighting looks on Zoom by turning lights on and off in your home office, or opening and drawing curtains. If you can’t get the desired effect with lights and lamps in your home, then you could invest in an LED light which many videographers and YouTubers use. These lights shine the right amount of brightness and are nearly always portable, which means you can confidently take part in virtual meetings in all kinds of settings and environments.

Digital Camera World has a great article that recommends the best lights for Zoom meetings . 

Tip 4. Find a quiet spot

It’s extremely important you find a quiet space to hold your Zoom meetings. Distractions can be off-putting when you’re trying to concentrate. 

If you’re in a busy office, find a quiet corner or an empty meeting room. Working from home can be trickier if there are other people in the house, so plan your ‘quiet space’ in advance. Ask the people in your home to respect this space while you’re holding online meetings and do their best to keep the noise down. 

Tip 5. Take deep breaths before your meeting goes live

Did you know you can use breathing as a tool to reduce anxiety? Our breathing controls a lot of our hormones and the nervous system within our bodies. This means by simply learning a few breathing techniques you have complete control over how your body acts and feels. 

When you feel worried or concerned about a situation your heart tends to beat faster. However, learn how to breathe using your diaphragm - not your chest and shoulders - and you can lower your heart rate and feel in control again. Breathing using your diaphragm also enables you to sustain speaking for longer.

The correct term for this breathing technique is called Diaphragmatic Breathing. But, we find this makes it sound complicated, which trust us, it isn’t!

So, take deep breaths using your diaphragm 5 minutes before your meeting, and you’ll be able to get into the right mindset and calm any Zoom anxiety.

Watch this ‘ Belly Breathing ’ video to understand the Diaphragmatic Breathing technique or follow our simple steps below:

Sit up straight.

Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your tummy.

As you inhale through your nose, let your tummy expand.

As you exhale through your mouth, let your tummy contract.

Tip 6. Make eye contact - don’t turn off the camera

Eye contact while having a conversation instantly makes you appear confident and assertive. On the flip slide, avoiding eye contact suggests nervousness. Direct eye contact when in a video meeting can sometimes feel easier, than when in-person. 

There are video meeting experts out there that say to make direct eye contact you need to look at your camera-lens. If this sounds even better to you to help with any anxiety, then give it a go. Alternatively, if it feels odd, it’s best to feel comfortable, so looking at your screen will be fine.

Tip 7. Smile and sit up straight

We talk about body language a lot in our public speaking courses . That’s because body language is an extension of your thoughts and feelings. A confident person will move more freely when speaking versus a nervous person who might appear rigid or awkward. This is of course quite tricky to show in video meetings as most of the time you can only see people from the chest upwards.

You can however still show a positive and assertive body language when on Zoom by:

Sitting up straight

Smiling - where relevant (and natural)

Using your hands

Using your expressions

Tip 8. Have a glass of water handy

This is a simple, yet important tip. A side effect of nervousness is a dry mouth. And we all know how tricky it is to speak assertively when all we can think about is a glass of water. 

Fill up a glass ahead of your meeting and keep it at the side of your computer. It’s not rude to take a sip of water during a meeting, so do so as you need. You can also use a sip-of-water as a way to take a breather between agenda points or slides. If you’ve got an extra long meeting or a pressurised presentation, a chance to stop and pause can help you regain control, slow your pace and focus on your next discussion.

Tip 9. Be confident in your abilities

The true meaning of confidence is belief in yourself. Belief that you can do something and that it’s okay if you fail. Having a positive mindset can also help with confidence, as our wandering minds are often to blame for imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

Our founder really knows his stuff about mindset and how to tackle any negative thoughts. Watch his video about How to Master the Mind in 3 steps to help beat your Zoom-demons and start believing in yourself more.

Tip 10. Listen intently and be interested

A good meeting or presentation isn’t always about putting on a great performance or revealing insightful statistics, the best video meetings are where people feel a connection with each other.

Take an interest in your client or colleague by asking questions about them and their work. Listen intently to what they have to say, respond appropriately - and with real interest. 

Not only will having a two-way conversation make you appear confident, but it will make your client or colleague feel good, and they’ll come away feeling positive about your meeting.

Tip 11. Be yourself

Vulnerability. It’s something many of us are afraid to show, but it’s been proven that people connect more with people who show some form of vulnerability. 

What we’re trying to say is, be yourself. It’s okay to feel anxious or nervous and it’s okay to get things wrong. If this happens, let the people in your Zoom meeting know and we bet they don’t mind. In fact, we bet they like you a bit more for your honesty.

Bene Brown has a great TED Talk on vulnerability . If you’re interested to find out more, you can watch her talk here .

Good luck with your next Zoom meeting. We hope our tips help!

Remember, if you’d like more support we have online public speaking classes for people just like you who are trying to improve how they interact in their professional and personal life. Get in touch to find out more or book onto our next course today.

Why is confidence important? And does it matter if you’re not?

Does your friend have social anxiety here’s how you can help them..

How to Sound Clear and Confident in Your Next Zoom Presentation

Tip 1: Optimize Your Background

Tip 2: improve your audio quality, tip 3: increase your speech clarity, tip 4: project your confidence, nailing your online presentations.

Think back to your last work team meeting, client presentation, job interview, or networking session. Chances are that it took place over Zoom, Teams, or another video conferencing platform. A byproduct of the pandemic, this technology and, more broadly, remote work are certainly here to stay, even as the world slowly moves back toward in-person work.

As a professional, presenting and participating in online meetings may feel especially difficult. Ever wondered why?

Many factors contribute to the added friction: audio issues, limited opportunities to pair your speech with gestures and body language, and a lack of interaction and response from your audience are just a few of these factors.

For non-native English speakers in particular, Zoom presentations setting can exacerbate miscommunication. Accents and pronunciation issues can be harder to address in the moment, which may leave your audience unsure of what you've said.

Accent and speech coach Melanie Fox shares that:

"Those who are non-native speakers often report that they feel more easily understood in person, and that virtual presentations seem to intensify existing barriers to communication. Since clarity of your sound is key, you want a strategy to help you minimize potential issues that could derail the delivery of your message or obstruct your ability to hear the meeting."

Here's the good news: there are several steps you can take to ensure you project confidence over Zoom. We break down the key points below.

1.1. Use a Real Background

Use a physical background (a plain wall, a professional office setting, or a pop-up, collapsible backdrop) as opposed to a virtual Zoom background, which could make you look blurry or distort your image.

1.2. Keep Your Face In The Light

Make sure your face is illuminated – if the light is coming from a source in back of you, your image may be distorted or look like your face is in a shadow. Purchase a small desk lamp if need be!

1.3. Consider Another Camera

If your computer has a decent camera, you might be good to go, but you can also add an external camera to your computer for additional clarity.

As an ESL professional, Why Should I Care Extra?

Reading lips is part of a listener’s decoding strategy. Without seeing your lips, the “s,” “f,” and voiceless “th” sounds may sound very similar, especially over the phone or in a virtual meeting. Seeing your lower lip meet your top teeth tips me off that you are making the “f” sound as opposed to the other two.

‍ 2.1 Make Sure You Have a Headset

It's a great way to help you cut down on background noise and avoid an echo, so you can have effective communication. A pair of earbuds will also do just fine. And, an old-school wired one might even be more reliable than its slick wireless cousin.

2.2 Get an Extra Microphone

If you want to enhance your audio, you might consider buying an extra microphone. Amazon and B&H offer tons of options (and read the reviews).

As an ESL Professional, Why Should I Care Extra?

Making sure you can clearly hear the other speakers is imperative, so you can avoid having to ask native speakers to repeat or explain their speech.

‍ 3.1 Speak Slowly

It's always a good idea to give yourself time to articulate your sounds. Remember, the “th” sounds require the tongue jutting out between the teeth. In a more Standard American English, you’ll want to make sure you’re not dropping or devoicing sounds in the “coda.” English can feel kind of “clunky” compared to many other languages, because we have consonant clusters and also because we have voiced sounds (stops/plosives and fricatives) positioned at the end of a syllable—which is not a very popular thing for a language to do. Think of the word “worlds” – lots of sounds come after that vowel—and you will need to use your voice (vibrate your vocal cords) in addition to your air the whole way through.

3.2 Make Your Mouth Movements Precise

Don’t shortchange your mouth movements in the interest of speed – in this case, speed is typically the enemy. Sounding thoughtful (slower and with pauses) rather than rushed (fast with little pausing) will help your audience engage with you.

3.3 Practice on BoldVoice

The app will give you an expert-prepared curriculum of video lessons that provide a comprehensive, in-depth training of American English pronunciation, and immediate feedback on how you sound.

Your clarity will help you project confidence, which is an essential part of impactful verbal communication.

4.1 Make Eye Contact

Present with poise. To do so, it’s important you look at the camera (rather than your notes). Glance at audience members’ reactions when possible, but try to keep your eyes in line with the camera lens.

4.2 Do a Mock Presentation

Practice like you mean it! Reading something under your breath does not do a good job at approximating the actual speech act. I would prepare by doing something that may make you cringe—but is well worth it: launch your own web-meet sessions and record yourself (most of the big platforms have a recording feature). That’s right, once you have your content planned, simulate that presentation. Watch it back, tweak and retry until you’re satisfied with the output.

Making sure you can clearly communicate while limited by the 2D space of a webinar is the other piece of the puzzle. And the goal isn’t just the clarity, it’s the freedom and confidence your clear speech will provide for you.

For native and non-native speakers alike, Zoom meetings can bring up anxieties, but we hope these tips can help you gain an extra competitive edge .

At BoldVoice , we can't wait to help you achieve your clearest and most confident voice. Our lessons on pronunciation, intonation, rhythm and public speaking from Hollywood accent coaches will get you results in no time.

Here’s to your next Zoom meeting – let it be stellar!

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How to give a presentation with confidence

To deliver a great presentation, you need to speak with confidence. If you are hesitant and tentative, you will not be particularly convincing or credible. People might think, “What is he trying to hide?” or “If she doesn’t seem very certain in this recommendation, then why should I support it?”

The challenge, however, is that it is easier to say “Be confident!” than it is to actually feel confident.

Fear is a normal part of presenting. When research firm Gallup surveyed people about their fears, snakes topped the list. Speaking in public was a close second, well above spiders, mice, heights, and the dark. Public speaker Scott Berkun notes that humans are wired to fear standing alone, in the open, with no weapon, in front of a large crowd.It is also natural to be nervous when presenting, because the stakes are high. If you speak well, people will think you are smart and strategic. If you bollox the opportunity, people will doubt your skills and capabilities.

Being fearful or nervous does not mean you cannot be confident. Indeed, you can be nervous and confident at the same time. I have delivered many presentation where I was 100% confident in the analysis and recommendation, but I was still nervous.

The goal when presenting is to embrace both fear and confidence. You should be nervous: on-edge, excited and focused. At the same time, you should be confident: assured, believing.

Here are five ways to feel more confident.

Create a strong presentation

The most important thing you can do to present with confidence is to create a strong recommendation. If you know your presentation is tight and logical, you are more likely to stand up and deliver it with conviction.

This means you need to spend the time to make sure your presentation is optimized. Have the basics: an executive summary, agenda, and conclusion. Put a headline on each page that states the main point. Tell a story, with one headline leading to the next. Have simple pages, with just the information you need to support the headline.

It takes time to create a powerful presentation, so don’t leave it to the last minute. You want to create the presentation and then tighten it, and then tighten it again. Jim Kilts, former CEO of companies including Kraft Foods, Nabisco, and Gillette, would revise a presentation fifty or sixty times, tightening the logic and polishing layout.

Remember the altitude principle

When developing a presentation, it is useful to remember what I call the altitude principle: It is best to encounter turbulence when you have some altitude.

To understand the concept, consider an airplane flight. At the beginning, turbulence is a dangerous thing. Dropping 20 feet is a notable problem when you are just 10 feet of the ground. Turbulence is also dangerous at the end of a flight, as you come in for landing. In the middle, however, a few bumps don’t matter so much. When you are flying along at 30,000 feet, you can lose 20, 50 or 100 feet and simply carry along.

The altitude principle works when presenting, too. At the start of a presentation, you don’t want a lot of turbulence. You want smooth sailing. You want to get people smiling and nodding. This will help you settle down and feel confident. It will create a bit of momentum. In the middle of the presentation, you can manage some bumps; you can explain an analysis or deal with tough questions.

So build a presentation that reflects the altitude principal. Start with some easy material that will let you gain some altitude. If something is particular complicated or controversial, put that in the middle of the presentation. Close with an easy finish, too. You don’t want to end with controversy.

Double-check your numbers

Numbers are the most dangerous part of a presentation. Every figure in the document is a potential problem, an opportunity for disaster.

Many business executives tend to focus on the numbers. If the figures are correct, they will be confident and likely to approve a recommendation. If the numbers are wrong, there is little chance that things will move forward.

When presenting, then, it is essential to double-check the numbers. You want to be 100% certain that they are correct.

Check two things. First, is the number accurate? It is very easy to transpose a figure: 13,463 looks a lot like 13,436. And even a small mistake like that will raise questions about the accuracy of your presentation. It also will cause you to doubt yourself. You might think, “Shoot! If I got that number wrong, then maybe the other ones are off, too!” Your confidence will naturally fall.

Second, where did the number come from? For every figure, you want to know the source and the meaning. This is not as easy as it seems. Take a figure like “34% market share.” That seems pretty simple. But what does that figure mean, anyway? What time period does it cover? What geography? Is that unit share, or dollar share? Is that share of category A, or the larger category B? Does it include the 53 rd week?

If you know all of your figures, you will present with more confidence and be ready to answer questions. It is just that easy, and just that hard.

One of the keys to presenting success is pre-selling , or meeting with the key players before a meeting. This is a powerful way to build your confidence. If you’ve done your advance work, you will begin your presentation knowing precisely where you stand. Ideally, everyone has seen your presentation already and supports it. With this dynamic, you will naturally feel confident. If some people have concerns, you know what they are and can respond.

Remember: You are the expert

It is important to put yourself in the right frame of mind before a presentation. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: You are the expert. You know more about your topic than anyone else in the room.

In most cases, this will certainly be the case. If you are presenting an update on a new technology, you probably know more about the new technology than others in the room, because you’ve been studying it. If you are giving a business update on sales of mustard in Kenya, you probably know more about mustard sales in Kenya than anyone else present. This is certainly going to be true if your audience is made up of senior executives. They have to keep track of many different things. You just have to keep track of your mustard business.

When you embrace the idea that you are the expert, you shift your perspective. If someone asks a question, you probably know the answer. If someone has a different idea, you probably know why it isn’t ideal. You just have to explain your thinking. Trust your knowledge.

Confidence is essential to a successful presentation. The best way to build confidence is to spend the time preparing appropriately: create a strong presentation, embrace the altitude principle, double-check your numbers, and pre-sell. Then, just remind yourself that you are the expert in the room.

Tim Calkins is a clinical professor at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the author of the forthcoming book,  How To Wash A Chicken—Mastering the Business Presentation.

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What Is The Role Of Confidence In Successful Presentations

Table of contents.

So, you’ve crafted your slides and gathered all your information. Now it’s just time to prep and present your slides.

For many people, presenting and public speaking comes easy. But for many others, public speaking incites crippling fear and anxiety. Having self-confidence when you create your sales, marketing, academic, or personal presentations can have a major impact on the success of your presentation .

In this blog, we will look at the role of confidence in presentations and how you can prepare ahead of time so that your presentation is a success!

Why Is Confidence In Successful Presentations Important?

You’ve probably heard the saying “Confidence is key.” The same proverb can be used in the world of presentations and public speaking.

When you feel confident, the rest of the presentation is affected. From the engagement of your audience, to the motivation to act, to the overall success of your presentation. Additionally, confidence and strong self-esteem can allow you to focus on your audience, speak clearly, build trust, and make the sale.

Simply, confident speakers are able to get the key message across and maintain their audience’s attention throughout the entire presentation.

Can Your Audience Members Tell If You Are Nervous Or Confident?

The short answer? Absolutely.

Think about a speaker you’ve listened to recently. A nervous speaker will be fidgeting, looking down, stuttering, mumbling, or speaking too quickly. In short, a bad speaker can quickly lead to a bad presentation.

On the other hand, confident speakers will have good posture, maintain eye contact regularly, speak at a moderate pace , and deliver their main points clearly.

The goal of many presenters is to feel comfortable speaking in front of people. When you’re able to feel comfortable talking in a presentation, your audience will notice the difference!

How Can You Look Confident During Your Presentation

Great speaking skills aren’t just about your voice and the information you are presenting. Here are a few tips that can help you look confident while presenting.

Make Eye Contact

First and foremost, making eye contact is key. A confident person can maintain eye contact while speaking with someone. The same goes for public speakers.

T his small step can not only help you look more confident , but it can also engage your audience. Additionally, eye contact builds trust with your audience.

If you want your audience to buy into what you are saying, you have to make a connection and build trust with them. Eye contact is one of the easiest and best ways to connect with an audience.

Keep Body Language Open

Body language is a powerful communicator, often revealing more than words alone. If feeling confident while speaking is your goal, then you have to be open. No arm-crossing or defensive stances – we’re going for welcoming vibes.

Stand tall, connect with your audience, and let your body speak the language of confidence . It’s like a silent symphony that your audience won’t be able to resist.

Keeping your posture open and welcoming can significantly impact how your audience perceives your confidence.

Maintain good posture, stand tall, and avoid crossing your arms, which may signal defensiveness. These subtle gestures create an inviting atmosphere, allowing your audience to feel more engaged and receptive.

Use Gestures

Another important aspect of confidence in public speaking is gestures. Effective hand gestures can enhance your message and boost your confidence.

S trategic and purposeful gestures can emphasize key points, add dynamism to your presentation , and boost your self-assurance. Whether the gestures are for comedic effect or to key in on a point, a well-timed gesture can stick out in your audience’s mind.

However, be mindful of excessive or erratic movements, as they may distract from your message. Additionally, avoid fidgeting as this will reveal your nerves to your audience!

Instead, practice using gestures that feel natural to you, ensuring they complement and add interest rather than overshadow your verbal communication.

How Can You Sound Confident During Your Presentation

Your voice is the conductor of this confidence symphony. Speak clearly and let your words create a beautifully composed melody. Vary your pitch, modulate your tone – become the maestro of your vocal performance!

Practice makes perfect, so hit those high and low notes until you’re ready to take center stage with a voice that commands attention.

Sounding confident is as important as looking confident. To project confidence through your voice:

Speak Clearly and Slowly: Enunciate your words clearly, and maintain a moderate pace. Rushed speech can make you sound anxious, while clear and deliberate speech exudes confidence.

Modulate Your Voice: Vary your pitch and tone to avoid monotony. A well-modulated voice captures attention and conveys authority. Practice speaking with different intonations to find a style that suits your presentation.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Familiarity breeds confidence. Rehearse your presentation multiple times, focusing on your tone, pacing, and emphasis. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confidently you’ll deliver it.

Avoid Using Filler Words: Filler words, such as “um,” “uh,” and “like,” can undermine your credibility and make you appear less confident. While it’s natural to use these words occasionally, excessive use suggests uncertainty

Pause & Collect Yourself : Embrace moments of silence instead of relying on filler words. Pauses can emphasize your points and provide you with a moment to gather your thoughts.

How Can You Feel More Confident During Your Presentation

In general, the more confidence you have, the more you will engage your audience. Whether you’re presenting in front of a small group or an auditorium full of people, feeling confident is the most important aspect of maintaining a fully engaged audience.

Here are a few tips that can help you as you present your slide deck.

Thrive On Engagement

While practicing is an essential step in the process of preparing for a speaking engagement, sometimes you have to take what your audience gives you.

When you’re audience is engaged, interact with them! Maybe talk to an audience member or two, make a few observations, take questions, and go with the flow! Not only can this capture your audience’s attention, it can also help you feel more comfortable as you present.

Run With The Momentum

Going off of the above point, you should also run with momentum. If an audience laughs at your jokes or seems particularly interested in one of the important points in your presentation, take it and run with it.

Don’t be afraid to go a bit off-script if your audience is up for it! In fact, doing so could actually be even more successful!

Is It Possible To Improve Your Confidence While Public Speaking?

If your next presentation is leaving you with a dry mouth, anxiety, and nightmares, fear not! Here are some things that you can do to improve your confidence to make the best presentation possible!

Practice & Preparation

A good speaker knows the power of practice. If you have a presentation coming up, prepare by reading literature aloud, going through the presentation a number of times, and practicing deep breathing techniques or taking deep breaths before the presentation to get more oxygen while you speak.

Start In Front Of Smaller Audiences.

Additionally, if you’re relatively new to public speaking, you might be nervous to even speak in front of one person. To build up your confidence, start practicing your presentation in front of small groups and work your way up to a larger audience.

Take Tips From Presentation Experts

Just as many people learn skills through watching and learning from experts, the same can be done with presenters.

If you’re trying to boost your self-confidence and become a better presenter, start by watching some other presentations. Sift through some popular TED Talks, sermons, keynote addresses, or other presentations you might find on the internet.

Make note of what the speaker did well or what took away from the presentation. This can help you focus on how you can become a better speaker.

Arm Yourself With Killer Slides

One other support piece you can pull from is your slide deck. Informative, engaging, and clear slides can make a world of difference. However, your slides mustn’t take away from your information or become too distracting to the audience.

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Confidence Builds Trust And Makes Your Presentation More Impactful

In summary, confidence has a key role in the success of your presentation. While most people might not consider themselves great public speakers, there are many tips and strategies that you can use to help you crush your next presentation .

You Work On Your Confidence, We Will Work On Your Presentation Design

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Want to learn more about our Powerpoint Design Services ? You can either visit our presentation design portfolio or Contact us today to see how the geeks can help you!

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The Ultimate Guide to Delivering Effective Presentations Online

That means all your important business communication – strategy meetings, sales pitches, presentations – is now virtual. And if you’ve already held at least one remote meeting with your team, you know that presenting virtually is not the same as doing so in person. 

As the lockdown continues to keep us at a social distance from each other, virtual speeches and presentations aren’t going away. If you’re not proficient at presenting online, then now’s the time to hone your virtual presentation skills. 

But don’t fret, mastering virtual presentations isn’t impossible. You just need a little practice, the right equipment, and this ultimate guide to online presentations from a presentation design company . In this guide, we’ll cover the following three topics:

• Requirements (non-tech and tech) for an effective online presentation
• Choosing the right video conferencing tool for you
• The differences between presenting remotely and in-person

 …plus our four best tips for nailing your virtual presentation. 

Let’s get started. 

Non-Tech Requirements for an Effective Online Presentation

For writing and delivering a presentation online, the most important considerations are:

• Your background – Try to set up in a neutral room or space in your home, without distractions behind you. If you don’t have one, then experiment with blur backgrounds or uploading a background on your video conferencing platform. If you’ve got a messy bookcase behind you, try draping it with a pretty scarf or throw for an instant arty backdrop (just make sure it’s not going to fall down mid-presentation!)
• A dedicated presenting space – Setting up a desk or room reserved for writing, practicing, and delivering your virtual presentation will help you focus. Having boundaries – like a locked door – will keep distractions at bay. Also, make sure your presenting space has good lighting and acoustics. You can add soft cushions or furnishings to the room to absorb some of the sound.
• Comfortable desk and chair – Working at the kitchen table or on the couch seems like it would be more comfortable, but it’ll kill your back and bring down productivity. Get a proper desk chair so you can sit squarely in front of your webcam, at eye-level, while presenting. If your chair won’t give you the height you need then propping your camera up on some books is a simple work-around.

Tech Requirements for Online Presenting

Your tech requirements comprise of three main things:

• Strong Internet connection – The last thing you want is your connection dropping out in the middle of your presentation. Make sure your WiFi signal is strong enough by doing a test-run of your video conferencing platform while practicing your presentation. For minimal interruptions, hook up your laptop or computer to ethernet instead.
• Good audio quality – Test the sound quality with your laptop speakers by recording yourself. If they’re shoddy, consider getting a USB microphone.
• Video conferencing platform – You should pick the best platform for your presentation’s needs. Read on for advice on selecting the right tool. 

How to Choose the Right Video Conferencing Tool

There are many video conferencing applications and platforms available – some free, some paid. GoToMeeting, Zoom, WebEX, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, and Skype are just a few of the most popular. You’ll want to consider the following things when picking your video conferencing platform:

• Audience size – Some platforms only accommodate a certain number of users at a time. Others let more people join the call, but only if you pay for a subscription. Tools like Zoom and Teams are perfect for a virtual sales pitch to a small group of investors. For a remote conference or speech, webinar platforms like WebEX or Demio work better.
• Security measures – If your presentation contains sensitive information or is only meant for specific listeners, then a platform with a user login feature is a must. It can’t hurt to check out the application’s terms of service and privacy policy as well, to see what measures they take to protect your video conference.

Remember to do test-runs of the application before your presentation starts. You should make sure it works and familiarise yourself with it. Know the platform well enough to teach it to your audience members if necessary. 

Presenting Remotely vs. In-person

Presenting online and in-person are not the same. The three biggest differences are:

• You can’t gauge audience reactions during a virtual presentation
• You can’t interact with your slides physically (i.e. gesturing)
• Your audience has many more distractions than a usual presentation

To address these differences, your remote presentation needs to work overtime. Your focus should be as audience-centric as possible. 

How do you drive audience engagement with online presentations? We have four solutions for you:

• Don’t let your listeners stare at a static screen for more than 30 seconds
• Ask more questions than usual – every few minutes is good
• Learn your video conferencing application’s interactivity features – like chat or live polling – ahead of time, so you can teach your audience how to use them
• Encourage your listeners to keep their webcams on. They’ll naturally stay more engaged if they’re on camera. Plus, seeing faces (rather than staring at your webcam) will help you with your delivery.

Our Top Tips for Presenting Online  

Create Visually Engaging Slides

To keep your audience’s attention during an online presentation, your slides must be twice as engaging as usual. Animations are a great way to do this, but only if they’re used correctly. 

Keep Your Content Short

Make your content direct. What’s your objective for this presentation? Everything you include should serve that objective. Good presenters are direct while still being engaging. So, using hooks like statistics or anecdotes at relevant times will keep your audience listening for longer. 

Make You Presentation Succinct

Chunk relevant information together, giving your presentation a clear structure. Rather than a big call-to-action (CTA) at the end, sprinkle smaller CTAs throughout the presentation. These could be as simple as asking discussion questions or doing a live poll. Finally, include a menu slide in your deck with hyperlinks to the parts of your presentation. With a menu slide, you can jump between topics while making your slide deck keep up with you. 

Don’t Forget About Your Audience

Although it’s tough with a virtual presentation, always remember that you’re speaking to people, not to a webcam. Relax and engage your audience. If both you and your listeners have your webcams on, it’s easier to build engagement. And, if possible, increase the size of your webcam window onscreen so your audience can see you more clearly. 

Giving an effective presentation online has become a must-have skill since the coronavirus outbreak. With the resources in this guide, you’ll have the right tools to give an engaging and impressive virtual presentation. Browse our website for more resources and blogs about designing and delivering effective presentations.

To become more confident in your own presentation delivery please consider taking a Presentation Skills Training Course In London .

We also offer Presentation Design and Pitch Deck Design Services to really bring the X- factor to your presentations and make sure they seal the deal!

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6 Ways to Look (and Feel) More Confident During a Presentation

How can you come across as a more confident group member? Or, if you’re leading a group and you need people to pay attention, how do you feel more confident from the stage?

In this video, Michael Grinder, the pioneer of nonverbal communication, discusses six ways to look (and feel) more confident during a presentation. Whether you’re on the virtual stage or leading a small group, these tips will help you succeed.

Read the modified transcript to “ 6 Ways to Look (and Feel) More Confident During a Presentation ” below:

You know, you could be at a meeting, you’re just a committee member. You’re doing maybe business casual. You want to make a point, and you want them to listen to you.

My name’s Michael Grinder. How do you come across as confident in this kind of setting?

Or you could be presenting a little more professional, a larger group. You’re not just a member of the group, you’re the leader.

But what if you’re in a situation that could be professional, in front of a large group, or just casual, as a member of the group? What’s the difference?

In one case, you’re trying to contribute, you want people to listen to you.

The other one, you’re leading them.

They’re going to be watching your body language. They want to know what your face looks like, how your voice sounds, how do you move? How do you hold your gesture as you talk?

You want them to see you as confident, and you want to gain their confidence in you.

So let’s talk about how that happens, in both situations.

The difference is the exaggeration, the amplification of your face, your voice, and your body. For example, if it’s a large group, I have to hold my voice a little louder. I have to have my hand come out farther in terms of a gesture.

But if it’s a smaller group, I have to bring it back in. I have to talk softer.

So just amplification, that’s all it is, is what volume do they want? It’s based on the size of the group.

Now, with that in mind, let’s look at the different parts.

You want to be confident. Why?

So that you get permission to lead them.

And when you’re speaking, they’re watching you like crazy.

So let’s look at this.

However you are, as a style of talking, it’s perfectly okay, as long as you know how to use your hands.

And guys, get them out of your pockets. It won’t work down here, you’ve gotta have your hands out.

Ladies tend to have an easier time gesturing than men, but what they have to be careful of, they can’t extend it too far out based on the size and demographics of the audience. So they’ll just be a little closer to their torso, and men will be a little bit farther out. That’s the only difference.

So when you are seated, stay close. When you’re standing, extend out. Male and female, it doesn’t matter.

Now, what else you want to do is you want to understand your baseline.

If you have a certain volume, if you want to mark off something, that, “I really want them to remember this!” You have to change your volume and your speed.

For example, if I went like this, “That’s why this is important.”

Now, what I just did was — and you can practice this. — “That’s why,” I stepped forward. I hadn’t stepped forward before, so I changed my body language. I had my hand come up this way. I dropped my chin down, and I dropped my volume and almost whispered.

Watch again.

“That’s why…” and drop that chin down.

So the set of skills are amazing.

Whatever your baseline, what you always seem to do — you can never make a strong impression with that.

You have to go outside.

So you can get louder if you want, you can, but I recommend going softer, it really impresses them.

The other thing that they’re going to do is really watch you. How well do you pause? It actually doesn’t seem very intelligent to them and they don’t feel very safe in here.

So what happens is you have to make sure you slow down, but when you slow down, you have to make sure you pause. If you pause and then you talk, they don’t buy it.

So how do you occupy the pause?

You occupy it with your hand.

So when you are talking, talk with your hands, and then when you come to the pause, freeze the hand wherever it might be, that occupies them.

It allows you to breathe, allows them to breathe.

Now you both seem intelligent.

Because you’re breathing? Yes, because you’re breathing.

Then when you come to the important part, such as, “That’s why,” pause a little bit longer, then extend the hand out as you say, “why it’s important.” Pause a little bit more after you’ve said your big, exciting, inspirational line, and then bring it back.

What a difference it makes.

You’ll be amazed that when you drop your chin, you’re going to get some other benefit.

If I have my chin here and I drop it down, my pupils get high in my eye socket and that looks cool.

Males and females, same thing. Drop your chin down and leave it still as you deliver your most important message.

What are the 6 ways you can look (and feel) more confident while you’re presenting?

• Make sure if you are seated, you keep your gestures close. If you were standing, you amplify out.
• Always use your hands when talking, it makes a huge difference.
• Baseline. Whatever your regular behavior is, how’s your face, how’s your voice, how’s your body, make sure you change it when you come to the biggest important thing that you wanna put across. The examples we gave were maybe having your (3a) foot step forward, shift your body weight. Maybe (3b) have your chin come down, (3c) drop your volume, almost to a whisper, but keep changing those behaviors from your baseline to make the big impact that you want. If you’re going to come across as intelligent, and that’s part of what is equated with being confident, got to pause.
• Pause, use your hands, and (4a) freeze them during the pause.
• When you come to the important thing you want to say, the big impact, pause just before you say it, and then just after.
• Remember, drop that chin down to get the pupils high.

Six skills that we want you to practice so you come across as confident when you’re in public.

Michael Grinder here, practice.

Thanks for reading! For more information on how to feel confident during a presentation,  sign up  for our monthly nonverbal communication tips newsletter.

Want to take this to the next level? Get customized coaching with Michael !

Help your team master group dynamics, move from reactive to proactive, and make difficult conversations easier — learn more about  Freedom Through Perception , my half-day training for groups of 10 or fewer. Available in-person or online.

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How to Be Confident During a Presentation

Last Updated: January 1, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Gale McCreary . Gale McCreary is the Founder and Chief Coordinator of SpeechStory, a nonprofit organization focused on improving communication skills in youth. She was previously a Silicon Valley CEO and President of a Toastmasters International chapter. She has been recognized as Santa Barbara Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year and received Congressional recognition for providing a Family-Friendly work environment. She has a BS in Biology from Stanford University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 84,642 times.

Giving a presentation and speaking in front of a room full of peers can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to project confidence and authority even when you are nervous. It is normal to get tense before a presentation, but you do not want to project that tension to your audience. If you use confident, secure body language, project your voice, and prepare for your presentation in advance, you will feel like a confident, expert speaker.

Using Confident Body Language

• Good posture conveys to the audience that you are confident, credible, and sure of your subject. Speaking with proper posture also allows you to project your voice, making your speech clear and assertive. [2] X Research source

• Don’t stand too close to the audience, and don’t move beyond the first row of seats.
• As you move toward the audience, think about staying there for a period of 30 seconds. When you step in another direction, spend about another 30 seconds there. [5] X Research source Think about trying to reach everyone in your audience, and try to make eye contact with several audience members as you move from section to section.

• Don’t cross your arms during a presentation. While this may be a comfortable position, you may be projecting negative cues to your audience. This closed-off position may make you seem inexperienced, uninterested, or nervous.

• While giving a presentation, maintain eye contact with an individual for periods of 3 to 5 seconds. [9] X Research source Eye contact will demonstrate that you are trustworthy and passionate about the topic, and it will help keep your audience’s attention. [10] X Research source

Speaking with Confidence

• Lie down on your back, and keep your abdominals and stomach relaxed. Keep one hand on your abdomen, and think about moving it up and down as you breathe in and out.
• Find out in advance if you will be using a microphone for your presentation. This can help you plan ahead and adjust the volume of your voice accordingly.

• Try to incorporate these variations in speech while giving your presentation, and pretend as though you are having a conversation with a friend or a colleague.
• Practice these variations by reading a poem, a play, or another piece of literature aloud. [11] X Research source

• Stretch out your vowels to slow your speech. Pretend that the vowels are italicized and focus on speaking each one clearly. Practice this technique to ensure that it sounds natural.
• Break your presentation up into sections. Plan to pause for a moment or two when you reach the end of each section. Allow for one second to pause before moving on to the next point. [13] X Research source

Practicing Your Presentation

How Should You End a Presentation?

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-POSTURE.htm
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247737
• ↑ http://blog.ted.com/a-ted-speaker-coach-shares-11-tips-for-right-before-you-go-on-stage/
• ↑ http://www.presentationprep.com/body-language-body/
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/connect-with-your-audience-move-closer/
• ↑ https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/famelab-whats-science-behind-smile
• ↑ http://liveboldandbloom.com/10/self-confidence/body-language-tips
• ↑ http://www.inc.com/sims-wyeth/10-reasons-why-eye-contact-can-change-peoples-perception-of-you.html
• ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324809804578511290822228174
• ↑ http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14466/1/How-to-Look-Approachable.html
• ↑ http://www.presentationprep.com/body-language-voice/
• ↑ https://ethos3.com/how-to-slow-down-nervous-speedy-speech/
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/vocal-variety-speech-breathing/

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Zoom Tips: 10 Ways to Present with Confidence During Online Meetings

According to a study by Wiserd , 4.7 percent of Brits worked from home even pre-pandemic. That number rose dramatically during the April 2020 lockdown to 43.1 percent. If the reports are right, it is likely to remain high for many employers once Covid-19 has passed. 

Fewer office workers and more work-from-home employees have made video calls commonplace for a wide range of business communications , from brainstorming sessions and staff meetings to major announcements. But while they may be used for the same purpose, virtual meetings are an entirely different context. 

Elevating both your point and your presence on Zoom , Skype , Microsoft Teams , or whatever other platform you're using, can be a challenge, but much of the confidence around video conference calls comes down to being prepared mentally. With a little bit of self-belief and a few helpful Zoom tips, you'll be communicating and collaborating more efficiently than ever before. 

The problem with virtual meetings

How many times a day do you find yourself concerned about what other people think? As humans, we are genetically and evolutionally wired to do just that, meaning that in social situations, if other people don't reassure us that they like or approve of us, our brains automatically generate fear or worry.

That's exactly why it can be challenging to maintain confidence in online meetings. If your presentation is met with a sea of blank facial expressions and no response, it's very difficult to know how you're doing, causing you to doubt your performance as a result. 

How do you present confidently on Zoom?

Unfortunately, rewiring our brains to stop us from thinking about how others view us isn't an option. That being said, there are lots of ways we can try to limit those feelings of doubt and genuinely start to feel confident (rather than just faking it).

1) Look the part

When we look confident, we feel confident, so wear clothes that make you feel good. If you're part of an important virtual meeting, avoid going too casual. You should also stick to solid colours and neutrals as much as possible since loud prints can be distracting. You may be sitting down for your Zoom meetings, but you never know when you'll have to get up and grab a report or other materials, so avoid wearing tracksuit or pyjama bottoms if you can help it!

2) Perfect your positioning

Ever seen that TED Talk on power poses ? Taking up space, both literally and figuratively, is the key to achieving an executive presence. Sit too far away from the camera and you risk looking small, which can send a signal to whoever you are presenting to that you are nervous, less powerful, or otherwise disengaged. When setting up your camera , ensure the area from your upper chest to your head is in shot, aiming for a few inches of visual space above your crown if possible.

3) Connect with your audience

You should ensure that you keep the camera at eye level by propping your laptop on books, for example. Many people position their camera too low, which is a mistake. It can make it seem like you're taking down to people, or too high, which can diminish your presence. Establishing strong eye contact with your audience means you have more chance of making a powerful and authentic connection with them, while also gaining their trust and allowing you to feel confident that your message is getting across.

4) Smile at the camera, not your colleagues 

During your preparation, practice looking straight into the camera. You'd be surprised how many people get distracted by glancing at their own face on the screen, but if that's you, try turning off the ‘self-view' option on Zoom, or using the ‘active speaker' mode. When we're busy concentrating, it's easy to forget to smile, too. To help you relax and maintain a positive demeanour, place something that makes you happy above your webcam or on the wall. It could be as simple as a sticky note with a smiley face on it.

5) Don't distract with a busy background

We love Zoom's virtual backgrounds feature as much as the next person but sadly it's not fool-proof. You may have noticed the software often displays the image over your head, or glitches and pixelates as a result of poor connection. This risks distracting the audience and detracting from a strong presence. For this reason, we suggest avoiding it for important meetings unless absolutely necessary. If you do decide to use a virtual background, make sure you choose a relatively neutral and professional backdrop, such as an office space with shelves in view.

6) Lights, camera, action!

While a well-lit room is essential, shadows are not a good look. To avoid appearing on camera as a silhouette, don't sit directly in front of a window or a bright light. Instead, opt for front-facing natural light which evenly accentuates and brightens your skin and features, giving you a clear, flattering appearance and making you look presentable on camera. You should also be aware that your screen can be a large source of light, so if you don't have a lot of natural light, or your video call is in the evening, for example, be sure to adjust your screen brightness.

7) Use a strong voice

Nervous about public speaking ? You're not alone. As many as 25 percent of people fear speaking in front of a crowd, but a little bit of practice can go a long way in helping you to overcome those nerves and feel more relaxed in a conference call situation. Practice using a strong voice and be mindful of your inflection, just as you would in person. Naturally, people's attention span wavers slightly faster during a video call than in person as well, so you may need to speak slightly faster than you normally would. You should also invest in a good quality headset since having good audio quality will add to your overall presence. 

8) Maintain awareness of your body 

Don't let a lack of confidence leak out through your physical posture. Slouching or hunching over during video calls can make your audience feel less secure — as can actions like swaying in your chair. Using mindfulness and yoga techniques, we can learn to feel genuinely comfortable in our own skin and more at ease with being centre of attention. A good technique is to imagine there is an invisible string running from the top of your head to the ceiling pulling you up. Pay attention to the level of your shoulders and make a conscious effort to pull them down your back. The more you look at ease, the more positively you will be perceived by the people you are trying to influence.

9) Know about notifications

Notifications are designed to capture our attention, and nothing is more distracting on a video call than multiple dings and pings. If your audience doesn't feel like they have your full attention, they won't feel respected, so make sure you mute your desktop notifications before hopping on a call. You should also keep in mind that anything you say within the video chat will be visible in the final transcript. As a general rule, if you wouldn't be comfortable with your boss or colleagues seeing something, don't say it in a private message.

10) Think productively

Executive presence may largely be about the way you look and your body language, but what it really comes down to is mind over matter. Undermining yourself by using apologetic language like “sorry, this may be completely wrong or “please forgive the length of this presentation is a sure-fire way to evaporate an air of confidence. By thinking productively and using assertive language instead, your audience is more likely to view you as decisive and as an expert on a particular subject.

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10 tips for building self-confidence before a presentation

Many different career paths involve delivering presentations, from individuals in corporate office jobs, to entrepreneurs looking for investment, to teaching staff. Presenting is not only a requirement in various workplaces, these days it’s quite commonplace in interview situations as well.

Presenting in any one of these situations can be daunting. And now, with lots of our roles largely operating from home, there is the added challenge of presenting online over video call.

A presentation is only as good as the preparation and planning process, and so it’s not only important to have your content ready, but to also feel mentally ready yourself. Along with checking over any PowerPoint slides and getting other resources ready, building your confidence is an essential part of the preparation.

In this week’s guest blog post, Dan Martin, shares his ten top tips for preparing for an important presentation, from building your self-esteem beforehand to maintaining your confidence on the day.

1. Listen to your favourite music

Before presenting, try listening to your favourite music to help build your confidence and increase your energy levels.

Find that one song that empowers you and lifts your spirits and play it before you present. Remember that uplifting feeling when presenting and if it helps, replay the same song in your mind to help you feel centred.

2. Wear smart clothes that you are comfortable in

Your outward appearance speaks volumes about your level of self-confidence. While it’s important to wear smart clothing for professionalism, make sure you are also comfortable in those clothes, as there is little to gain in wearing a smart outfit where you don’t feel your best.

Consider choosing either a pair of shoes that are special to you, accessories that are meaningful, or a jacket or trousers that you feel great in.

3. Take inspiration from an important person in your life

To lift your confidence, try putting yourself in the shoes of someone you love and admire. Whether that person is a friend, mentor, or a credible public figure, consider their traits you admire and ask yourself what they would do in your situation.

This technique of drawing inspiration from people who present themselves well can do wonders for boosting your own self-confidence.

4. Rehearse your presentation

One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll give a confident presentation is by practising as much as you can.

You could ask a friend to help you with mastering the pitch before it’s presented, and if you’re not able to find someone to be your practise-audience, try rehearsing your pitch in front of a mirror. Repeating this process and knowing in your heart that you've done all you can to prepare your speech will help build your confidence levels.  

5. Do something you love beforehand

As well as rehearsing your presentation, take some time to do something you love and enjoy beforehand, whether it’s in the morning of your pitch or the day before.

Whether you read something inspiring, practise yoga, go out for a run or spend some time talking to loved ones. Getting yourself in the headspace of feeling good by doing something you enjoy will spark those feelings of confidence when you come to deliver your presentation.

6. Be true to yourself

Confidence comes from you knowing yourself, so ensure authenticity by staying true to your principles.

Situations may vary, though try to take the opportunity to share your values and passion whenever possible. When you believe in the content you are delivering and are fully engaged, then your confidence will naturally shine through. 

7. Give compliments to others

Psychologists have found that giving compliments to others can boost your own confidence.

Competent people are rarely shy about encouraging others, so whether it’s a stranger, someone you know or the recipient of your presentation, consider complimenting them – you’ll be glad you did.

8. Prepare professional and appealing visuals

Preparing attractive visual materials to support your presentation not only compliments your pitch, they can also act as a helpful prompt.

Putting a visual presentation together is perhaps much easier nowadays with various paid and free applications available. If you’re not sure about the best way to design your presentation, there are many template backgrounds you can use through PowerPoint or Keynote, which can help you deliver a well-planned, visual presentation.

Also consider, who in your network my have the creative skills to support you?

9. Maintain eye-contact

Maintaining a level of eye contact with your audience can help you to come across more confident, trustworthy and approachable.

Admittedly, this can be more difficult when it comes to online presentations, so if you are at an online meeting where cameras are on, looking directly into the lense of the camera on your laptop or computer when possible enables the attendees to ‘feel like’ you’re making eye contact with them.

It’s also important to break up eye contact regularly, so take your time to find a rhythm that works for you.

10. Have a confident posture

Your body posture contributes to 60% of your communication, and choices like keeping your chin up and shoulders straight are subtle expressions of confidence.

For an excellent pitch, aim to straighten your posture and avoid the overuse of your arms while talking, as this can be distracting. Again, while this is slightly more difficult over a video call, you can still maintain a confident posture. Set up your laptop and camera in advance and try different standing and sitting positions until you find a comfortable, professional stance that works for you.

Building confidence is a process

In the lead up to a presentation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, while it may seem like some people are naturally gifted when it comes to delivering a stand-out presentation, it’s not an easy task for anyone – no matter how well you plan and prepare.

To stay focused and give a compelling presentation, you need to be in the right state of mind. It takes time to build the mental discipline to pull off a stand-out presentation and armed with these tips, I hope you'll feel better equipped to prepare and present a powerful pitch that you feel proud of.

Remember that confidence-building is a continuous process, and it gets easier with practise.

Dan has worked in digital marketing since 2007. His passion is developing teams and coaching individuals to foster innovation and solve real-time problems. Dan also enjoys photography and travelling.

Presenting with Confidence

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• 6 practice exercises

Digital certificate

• 2 hours of learning

Course Outcomes

• Confidently present both online and in-person
• Create content that resonates with your audience
• Aid decision making by being strategic with your slide design
• Reduce nervousness by using a step-by-step preparation method
• Hook, engage, and keep your audience excited throughout your delivery
• Develop easy to craft stories for everyday meetings
• Avoid the most common mistakes speakers make when interacting with the audience
• Master your self-esteem and boost your confidence by creating rituals

These are some of the topics that we will cover:

• Working with the virtual audience to co-create the talk
• Structuring your presentation to make it easy for decision-makers
• Visualize data for audience retention
• Increase production speed with templates and step by step guidance
• Avoid common pitfalls that make audiences feel bored

I am very much looking forward to teaching you these exciting techniques that I’ve accumulated over 10 years of coaching and mentoring leaders.

Have you ever wondered how some people can just command the room and influence their audience virtually or in person? If so, this is the course for you!

This course will teach you techniques you need to present with confidence whether you’re dealing with audiences, stakeholders, or colleagues. Covering necessary concepts that you’ll need to present with confidence whether you’re in charge of your next virtual meeting, facilitating a hybrid session, or making an impact in person.

Build your confidence

This course combines online learning with practice exercises for a unique learning approach. At certain points throughout this course, you'll be prompted to practice what you've learned in the exercises.

Learn online, anytime

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Improve with feedback

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Gagan singh.

Gagan Singh is a leadership, business, and public speaker coach and works with start-up entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. As part of SmartPublicSpeaker, he has built a YouTube channel making people feel more productive and confident in their personal and professional lives.

He has spent 10 years delivering and coaching public speaking as part of London Athenians, including as the President and as a District Officer for Toastmasters International. Gagan has worked with C-suite executives, business owners, and high potential leaders. He holds an advanced leadership qualification from Toastmasters and has won various national competitions.

Practice exercises and useful tools

Throughout the course, you'll be prompted to practice your skills and techniques in these exercises.

Video-Based Presentation

Practice how to deliver successful video-conferencing presentations on Zoom, Skype, Webex, Teams, and more.

Impromptu Speech Training

Practice responding off the cuff and thinking on your feet by talking about a wide range of random images.

Speaking at Different Paces

Practice reading a transcript aloud at different paces, to better understand how different speeds sound.

Vocal Exercises

After completing these exercises, you'll notice the change they have on your pitch, pace, pause, and projection.

Conference Room Presentation

Deliver a presentation to around 100 people in this popular training environment with feedback on performance.

Building Impromptu Stories

Practice your storytelling by talking about a given topic and incorporating new words into the story as you go.

What's included in this course:

• 3 case studies
• Access to updated content
• Quizzes and assessment
• Earn a digital course certificate
• Flexible, self-led format

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You can access the classes through the VirtualSpeech website, on any standard web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

The practice exercises can be completed online or in virtual reality (if you have a VR headset).

When you enroll in the course, you'll get 24/7 access to the course (including tutorial videos, case studies, practice exercises, VR, and more) through the VirtualSpeech website and in VR.

Both the online classes and exercises run in your browser, no additional software or download is required.

If you have a VR headset, you can also access the practice exercises in VR. Here's a list of our recommended VR headsets .

The online exercises have been tested across multiple browsers and run smoothly on Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Edge.

We accept payment via Credit Card, Debit Card or PayPal directly through the VirtualSpeech site. If you'd like to pay with an Invoice or using another payment method, please contact us.

Yes you can. After pressing the 'Buy Now' button on this page, select the number of users (maximum is 25).

After the payment, you'll be made course admin and can add users to the course from the admin dashboard.

Yes, when you've completed this course, we'll send you a Certificate of Achievement, which you can share in the Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile, on printed resumes, CVs, or other documents.

If the course does not meet your expectations, you can get a full refund within 7 days of purchasing the course.

Android Police

How to curve text in google slides.

Grab everyone's attention with curved text in presentation slides

Google Slides offers formatting options to tweak text, photos, videos, and other elements in a presentation. However, it lacks a few important add-ons. For instance, unlike PowerPoint, there isn't a built-in way to curve text in Google Slides. If you want to make your presentation stand out among the rest, use the tricks below to curve text in Google Slides.

Adding curved text is a neat way to elevate your presentation. Still, don't go overboard with curve text in Google Slides. It may create unnecessary distractions and make it hard for your audience to read a slide. Instead, highlight a few headings or text you want to separate from the other paragraphs.

Although Google Slides is available on mobile platforms like iPhone and Android phones , we focus on the web version in the steps below.

Curve text in Google Slides using PowerPoint

There are a couple of ways to curve text in Google Slides. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription plan, use the PowerPoint desktop app to curve text and copy it into Google Slides. In another trick, you can use a web tool like Canva or InkPx to get the job done. Let's start with PowerPoint.

• Open Microsoft PowerPoint on Windows or Mac.
• Create a new presentation and go to any slide.
• Resize a text box and enter the text you want to add in Google Slides.
• Expand the text effects icon and click Transform .
• Check your curved text in action. Drag the white dots around the text box to resize it.
• Open a presentation in Google Slides and select a slide where you want to add curve text.

PowerPoint offers dozens of curved text styles. You'll have no trouble finding a style that matches your presentation tone and theme.

How to delete a text box in Google Slides

Use an online tool to curve text in google slides.

PowerPoint requires a paid Microsoft 365 plan. If you don't have a subscription, use the tools below to generate and upload curved text in Google Slides.

Curve text using Canva

Canva is one of the best graphic design tools available. The web app offers several editing tools to create curved text in a design. You can download the image with a transparent background and upload it to Google Slides. Follow the steps below.

• Use the top menu to tweak text style, color, size, and more.

The ability to download an image with a transparent background requires a Canva Pro subscription.

How to add transparency to an image in Google Slides

Curve text using inkpx.

InkPx is a web tool for creating curved text. You can make one and upload it on Google Slides.

• Visit InkPx .
• Enter text and pick a color, style, and size. Then, tweak the radius, spacing, and other details.
• Pick a PNG or JPG image type and save the image.
• Launch a presentation in Google Slides.
• Select your image and open it in Google Slides.

Unlike Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva, InkPx is free to download and use. And unlike other web tools, you don't need to create an account to use the service.

Make your presentation stand out

Aside from curve text, there are other ways to make an interesting pitch. However, creating an engaging presentation from scratch can be time-consuming. Check the top Google Slides templates to get started and complete an applaud-worthy presentation in no time.

(ANN-24-07) Live Internet Webinar – Title IV Recertification (Sessions in May, July 2024)

Dear Colleague:

To continue participation in the Title IV programs, each school must submit a completed recertification application no later than 90 days prior to the expiration date of its Program Participation Agreement (PPA). To assist schools with completion and submission of the recertification application, we are offering a webinar on two different occasions, as described below. This training opportunity is specifically for schools that are due to submit a recertification application by March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, or Sept. 30, 2024 .

Note: As described in the Feb. 13, 2024 Electronic Announcement , in order to provide additional flexibilities for the 2024–25 award year, the Department is waiving the 90–day requirement for schools whose PPA expires in March, June, or September 2024. This means these schools have until their expiration day to submit a recertification application.

Title IV Recertification Webinar

Date/Time: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 2–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (ET)

Deadline to Register: 11 p.m. ET on May 22, 2024  

Date/Time: Thursday, July 25, 2024, 2–4:30 p.m. ET

Deadline to Register: 11 p.m. ET on July 24, 2024

There may be a difference between your local time and Eastern time. To determine local time and its Eastern time zone equivalent, go to time.gov .

Registration for the webinar must be completed on the FSA Training Center , using the instructions below. We can accommodate a maximum of 500 attendees in each session. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so that others who wish to attend may do so.

Instructions to Register for the Webinar

To register for the webinar, please follow these steps:

Visit the Title IV Recertification Webinar Registration page on the FSA Training Center ( https://fsatraining.ed.gov/course/view.php?id=482 )

You will first need to log into the FSA Training Center.

Note: If you do not have a username and password for the FSA Training Center , select "Create new account" at the bottom of the login page and follow the instructions to create a username and password.

Select the link for the session you would like to attend and follow the instructions to register.

You will receive an email that confirms your registration and provides a link to access the webinar and handout. There will be an option to call in to listen to the webinar if you are unable to view it.

Additional Webinar Resources: Recording, Presentation Slides, and Transcript

The presentation slides will be available on the Title IV Recertification Webinar Registration page closer to the first event date.

Unable to attend the live session? The video recording, presentation slides, and transcript will be posted the week following the first session. Once you log in to the FSA Training Center , go to “ Recorded Training ” on the main menu bar, select “ Webinars and Training Videos ,” and locate the recording in the “ School Eligibility ” category.

We look forward to your participation in this webinar. If you have questions about the training, please contact us at [email protected] .

If you have questions about the recertification process, please contact the FSA Partner and School Relations Center or your School Participation Division .

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What Doctors Want You to Know About Beta Blockers for Anxiety

Start-ups are making it easier to get the pills online, but experts warn they should be used with caution.

By Christina Caron

Anxious ahead of a big job interview? Worried about giving a speech? First date nerves?

The solution, some digital start-ups suggest, is a beta blocker, a type of medication that can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure — masking some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Typically a trip to the doctor’s office would be necessary to get a prescription, but a number of companies are now connecting patients with doctors for quick virtual visits and shipping the medication to people’s homes.

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That worries Dr. Yvette I. Sheline, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

“The first question is: What is going on with this person?” Dr. Sheline said. Are they depressed in addition to anxious? Do they have chronic anxiety or is it just a temporary case of stage fright? “You don’t want to end up prescribing the wrong thing,” she added.

In addition, although beta blockers are generally considered safe, experts say they can carry unpleasant side effects and should be used with caution.

What are beta blockers?

Beta blockers such as propranolol hydrochloride have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for chest pain, migraine prevention, involuntary tremors, abnormal heart rhythms and other uses.

Some are still prescribed for hypertension, although they’re no longer considered the preferred treatment , mainly because other medications are more effective in preventing stroke and death.

Beta blockers can ease the physical symptoms of the “fight or flight” response to stress, such as tremors, sweaty palms or a racing heart, but they are not F.D.A.-approved to treat anxiety disorders.

For decades, doctors have prescribed them for issues other than their approved uses, including for problems like stage fright. In recent years, celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and Khloé Kardashian have said the medications helped them overcome performance anxiety.

How do they work?

When we start feeling anxious or stressed, our bodies produce adrenaline, which prepares us to respond to perceived danger. The hormone signals our heart to beat faster and narrows our blood vessels to redirect blood to important organs like the heart and lungs. Breathing quickens, and we start to sweat.

Beta blockers work by “blocking” the effects of adrenaline. They cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which helps lower blood pressure.

But if you’re feeling especially anxious, “your mind is still going to race, you’re still going to ruminate and worry,” said Regine Galanti, a psychologist in Cedarhurst, N.Y., who treats people with anxiety disorders.

In other words, beta blockers are not going to address the root of your fears. “If it becomes like a weekly, ‘Oh, I’m just having a hard time in this course. I’ll just pop a beta blocker every single time.’ I would say, ‘What’s the long-term goal here?’” she added.

Patients are typically only prescribed a few pills for specific situations where they might experience performance anxiety, said Dr. Joseph Bienvenu, a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. But some online companies dole out as many as 48 at a time.

Are there any side effects?

Yes. Beta blockers can make people feel dizzy. Other potential side effects include fatigue, cold hands or feet, trouble sleeping and nightmares. They can also cause stomach problems like nausea or diarrhea and, less often, difficulty breathing.

This is why some doctors tell their patients to avoid taking them for the first time on the day of a big event.

Dr. Bienvenu advises patients to initially try the medication on the weekend, or “when you don’t have anything else to do.”

“I just want people to know how it’s going to affect them,” he said.

Is it OK to take them for a potentially scary task, like a big presentation?

Possibly. But experts suggested visiting your general practitioner first.

Beta blockers may not be advised for some people with diabetes, low blood pressure or bradycardia, which is a slow heart beat — or people with asthma or another lung disease. And certain drugs, including some cholesterol and cardiovascular medications, can interact with them.

Online doctors do not have your full medical history and have not examined you in person, said Arthur Caplan, a professor of bioethics at the N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine.

Without a physical exam, some patients might not know that they have an underlying issue like an irregular heartbeat, he added. And they may not know who to call if they have questions after getting a prescription.

“You need to be managed on these kinds of drugs,” he said.

For those who often face anxiety-provoking tasks like public speaking, the experts said, it might be most beneficial to try breathing techniques or exposure therapy , which involves directly confronting what makes us anxious to break a pattern of fear and avoidance.

“Masking your anxiety symptoms is not going to teach you how to manage your anxiety symptoms,” Dr. Galanti said.

Christina Caron is a Times reporter covering mental health. More about Christina Caron

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Packers coach Matt LaFleur 'caught off-guard' by Josh Jacobs signing, Aaron Jones release

If you were surprised by the Green Bay Packers releasing Aaron Jones and signing Josh Jacobs on the same day a few weeks ago, you weren't alone.

"It kind of caught me off-guard, to be honest," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said to the media at the NFL's annual league meetings last week.

LaFleur isn't saying he was kept in the dark completely on the roster of his team, but he said the developments happened quickly, with the acquisition of an All-Pro running back and the subsequent release of one of the greatest running backs in team history.

"Certainly I knew there was some other things in play with Aaron Jones," LaFleur said, about the Packers looking to restructure Jones' contract again . "I didn’t quite know how everything was going to go. It just happened really fast on that Monday. (Management) came down when they were allowed to start to talk to those guys. It happened really fast. I don’t know all the details to that. I’m not involved in those types of conversations."

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL meetings that how things played out wasn't a surprise and that "it was a necessary" move for the team.

"We're working toward that solution but sometimes things just don't work out," Gutekunst said about releasing Jones. "I don't blame him. He's always done right by us. It was one of those tough moments."

Matt LaFleur looking forward to having Josh Jacobs in Packers offense

Adding a talent like Jacobs has LaFleur feeling "super-excited."

"I just think when you look at his body of work, his play style, his running style, he’ll excel (in all situations)," LaFleur said. "There are some things we can do in the pass game as well, get him out in the backfield."

Jacobs' best season came in 2022 when he rushed for a league-leading 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns. His numbers dipped last year when he missed the final four games of the season with a groin injury.

Josh Jacobs reacts: New Packers running back calls Aaron Jones a Green Bay ‘legend,’ hopes to maintain the same standard

Matt LaFleur says Aaron Jones' leadership will be tough to replace but he's confident in Jordan Love

On the other hand, LaFleur said losing Jones is "really tough." Jones quickly signed with the Minnesota Vikings .

"Not only the football player but the man," LaFleur said about Jones. "Spoken so many times how much he brought to our team. He’s always been team-first. He walks the walk. He’s such a pro. That’s always tough to replace."

Jones was often called the heart and soul of the team by his teammates, coaches and management. Who will fill that void?

"Someone is going to have to step up," LaFleur said. "I’ve talked to Jordan about this a little bit. Now I expect more out of him. He expects it out of himself, which is great. Guys like him are going to have to shoulder some of that leadership."

Several retail properties in downtown Topeka sit vacant. What's planned for future use?

Several buildings intended for retail still sit vacant along S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka.

But big changes are coming, such as Stormont Vail Health buying the building previously owned by Colgate Palmolive and Hill's Pet Nutrition at the corner of S.W. 8th and Harrison or the anticipated restaurant Ta.Co under construction.

Mike Morse, of Kansas Commercial Real Estate, said he is confident in the future of the retail vacancies, despite an increase in remote working in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It certainly has hurt downtown retail or restaurants," Morse said of the shifting office environment. "When you used to have people there five days a week, right? And now you there working two to three days a week. And that's where it hurts. Those are things that we're trying to build a consistency.

"Where you have a friend in town ask what's going on? I know there's something going on downtown and that builds to help the office market. It builds to help the retailers. It builds to help that energy. It builds to help us talent, because you don't want to go to talent that's dead. You want some vibrancy and activity."

What are some of the vacant retail properties downtown ?

• 607 S. Kansas Ave. : Former Schlotzsky's Deli, owned by Michael and Amy Swickard
• 713 S. Kansas Ave .: Owned by Palace Plaza Inc.
• 715 S. Kansas Ave. : Owned by Palace Plaza Inc.
• 720 S. Kansas Ave. : Owned by 720 Kansas LLC.
• 734 S. Kansas Ave. : Owned by BNR Grille Three Real Estate.
• 825 S. Kansas Ave. : Owned by FYPM LLC.

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Seth Wagoner, with BNR Grill Three Real Estate and CEO of AIM Strategies, said the property at 734 S. Kansas Ave. has seen very few showings in recent months.

AIM Strategies bought the building at 734 S. Kansas in March 2021. It intended to lease its first-floor space to Lilly Grace, a local girls' clothing boutique owned by Topekan Ashley Carson. But the then-ongoing pandemic prevented her from opening, Wagoner said.

Wagoner said the space would be a great space for retail development.

"Retail's a tough business right now," Wagoner said. "There's so much that's changed in that market, with COVID and e-commerce and everything that way. It'd really be someone with a special product that really believes in downtown."

Downtown Topeka 'actively engaging in promoting available commercial'

Ashley Gilfillan, president of Downtown Topeka Inc., said downtown Topeka Inc. is actively engaged in promoting available commercial and residential spaces to prospective tenants.

"We are continually looking at potential businesses and introducing them to the value downtown Topeka offers for growth," Gilfillan said. "Over the past year, we have led commercial-space walking tours, connected potential tenants to building owners and remained in close contact with real estate professionals and our district business partners to promote the downtown core."

Morse said his job is to get people on the streets to create an active, vibrant area.

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"And their job as retailers to get them in their door," he said. "That's the we and them. We as a community, we want to get people downtown and then the retailer has to be good. And if they're good, they'll be successful.

"We want the restaurant choices, and we want The Tee Box. We want the opportunities to go have fun. We want the band. We want to do something different, and we want the Jayhawk Theatre to be great. We want all that."

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.